The Mood Altering Properties of Tianeptine

Tianeptine is a drug developed in France and it is prescribed for the management and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. This drug is sold in some parts of the world under the brand names Tatinol, Stablon, Coaxil, and Tianeurax. Classified as a mood enhancer and stabilizer, tianeptine is unique in the class of anti-depressants as it is known as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Enhancer (SSRE) and one of the only in its class.

Tianeptine is also known to have anxiolytic properties, which makes it an effective way to manage certain types of anxiety disorders. What makes this drug a better alternative to antidepressants and anxiolytics is that its regular use does not have the adverse effects commonly associated with antidepressants and anxiolytics. This makes tianeptine suitable for the elderly and for recovering alcoholics.

Interestingly, tianeptine is not a newly discovered drug. It was developed way back in the 1960s at the French Society of Medical Research. Since early clinical studies on tianeptine were all recorded in French, it took quite some time for English speaking countries to take notice of its potential as an antidepressant. To date, tianeptine is still not available in some countries like the US and Japan.

For a length of time, the mechanism of action of tianeptine was via selective serotonin reuptake enhancement or SSRE, which is intriguing because this will mean that it is the exact opposite of SSRI anti-depressants like Paxil. More recent studies however, suggest a different mode of action involving the alteration of AMPA and NDMA receptor activity which may explain the nootropic properties of tianeptine.

The mood altering properties of tianeptine is one of the reasons why some have been using it as a cognitive enhancer. Those who have been using tianeptine as a nootropic agent report feelings of general well-being, increased sociability, and sometimes a certain high that can be felt all over the body. Most users compare their experience to being on opiates like codeine but instead of the drowsiness, tianeptine gives off a mild stimulating effect.

Based on these experiences and descriptions from users, it is easy to suspect that the users were more after tianeptine’s recreational effects instead of its effect on the cognitive processes of the brain. To be considered as a ‘true’ nootropic, a compound must have the ability to improve memory, learning ability, logical reasoning, mental focus, and communication skills. Apart from being a mood stabilizer and perhaps an increase in motivation, tianeptine does little else cognitive enhancement-wise.

Tianeptine is being closely observed by authorities for its abuse potential. Forums dedicated to recreational drugs often have areas for tianeptine users. Those who use this drug for recreational purposes report of its rather quick ‘high’ and downregulation. Other common side effects associated to the use of tianeptine include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia and abdominal pain.

PROS

It is an effective mood regulator.

It can help manage depression and anxiety.

It gives you a general sense of well-being.

CONS

It has a strong abuse potential.

Its effects last only a few hours.

One can easily build a tolerance for it.

It is not legally available in some countries.

It has unpleasant side effects.

Tianeptine often comes in 12.5mg pills. Depending on your sensitivity to the drug, you may take up to three pills spread throughout the day. Tianeptine is contraindicated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for its potential to cause cardiovascular conditions.